CJ5, CJ7, CJ8?

Crewzer

New Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Location
Weaverville, NC
As I posted in the intro thread I'm looking for a Jeep to have as a hobby vehicle and to take off road some..NOT as much as some of you folks though...I'm not much of a mechanic.

I know very very little about Jeeps. Are there advantages to the 5's over the 7's or 8's or does it matter?

I know the minimal difference between the 5, 7 and 8 meaning body style...so you see where I my beginning point is.

Any advice or points in any direction?
 
Wheel base, 5's are shorter then 8's. Etc. About the only difference I know of. Longer wheel base, more stable, on and off the trails.
 
door opening

I have to wheel a CJ7 just so I can get in one. Im 6' and medium build, but couldnt get into a CJ5 when I was 16 years old and 160#- sure couldnt do it now. Look into the TJs if you want the ride to be better. You can get them cheapish- inline with a CJ7.
 
The 5's are available and reasonable $. They are short with narrow track axles, are tippy and are the reason the 7 was made, for more stability. Harder to get in and out of. They are older and therefore usually in bad shape. A good one will cost. Lots of V8 304 motors in these rigs.

7s in good shape are usually more $. GOOD ones are getting harder to find. More have I6 option rather than the common 304 in the 5s. More stable especially on the trail. Later models have wider track width, also good for stability. Lots of aftermarket support and used parts available.

8s are rarer, especially one in good shape and they are $$$$. Harder to find model specific parts though lots interchange with 5s & 7s. Usually not considered a "starter" Jeep unless you lucky or have $.

For a "starter" Jeep for a non mechanic my suggestion would mirror Chuck's. Look for a 97-2000 TJ with the 6 cylinder motor. They can be had for a decent price nowadays, the 6 will give plenty of power to turn a little larger tire and run at highway speeds. Will be MUCH more reliable and easier and less $ to maintain.

87-95 YJ's are plentiful and cheap but they have [ ] headlights :)
 
x3...if you're not much of as mechanic, I wouldnt suggest getting something at best, 22 years old (last CJ was made in 1986). TJs are relativly cheap and plentiful.
 
Option B, purchase a YJ, then do a CJ face lift (swap front fenders, hood,& grill <-- round headlights), swap the rear axle out and enjoy. I have a CJ5, it's great for my wife and I. You have a Very limited area for transporting stuff, (camping gear), and as RenegadeT mentioned, sometimes it's fun for the mechanic, other times......it's (let's just say) interesting. Keep us updated.
Later, T.J.
 
keep an eye on the exhaust manifolds on those year Tjs with the 6.They had a problem with cracking.2001 and up had the split manifolds.
 
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